HOUSE, 26 CHESTER STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 26 Chester Street is a typical weatherboard and iron single storey house dating from 1934. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the South Fremantle area.

Physical Description

House, 26 Chester Street is a single storey weatherboard and iron cottage with a symmetrical facade constructed in 1934. The walls are painted horizontal weatherboards. The roof gabled with no eaves and clad with corrugated iron. The verandah is under the main roof and has square timber posts. There is a gable set into main roof with simple timber detailing, emphasising the front entrance. The front facade is symmetrical with a central front door and timber framed windows either side. A brick chimney is intact. There is a timber picket fence to the front boundary and a garden area behind. The house is set well back from the road.

History

The Chester family were early settlers, and one of the sons had a butchering business. Lots 12, 13, 26, 70 and 75 were subdivided by John Chester. From 1887 until about 1930, the area around Douro Road was known as Chesterfield. Chester Street was originally known as William Street; in 1901/02, the name was changed to Lloyd Street and from c. 1901, Chester Street. In 1900, Lot 95 of Cockburn Sound Location 134 (later 26 Chester Street) was vacant land owned by J M Ferres. The land changed hands in the 1910s and 1920s but remained vacant until Reginald and Ethel Land built a cottage on the land in 1935/36 under the Workers Home Board scheme. A diagram dated 1954 shows House, 26 Chester Street as a weatherboard house with a full length front verandah and an ornamental garden (circular paved areas) at the front of the house. Centrally located steps led to the front entrance. There were several weatherboard and galvanised iron buildings in the back yard. The Lanes retained ownership of the property until c. 1970, when it was purchased by Emil Tsorrow and then John Laurence. The house changed hands numerous times between the 1970s and early 1990s. This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Yellow: “Contributing to the unique character of Fremantle”) It was also included in the "Heritage Study South Fremantle", prepared by John Taylor Architects, for the City of Fremantle, June 1993.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update